2 survive small-plane crash off California coast

2 survive small-plane crash off California coast

January 4th, 2014 in News

AVALON, Calif. (AP) - The pilot of a small airplane that experienced engine failure and went down off the Southern California coast near Catalina Island says it never occurred to him that he wouldn't survive the crash.

David Prizio says he and his lone passenger remained calm when the plane's engine suddenly died while they were cruising at 6,500 feet Saturday afternoon.

The 62-year-old retired contractor tells The Associated Press he tried to put the single-engine Texas Sport Cub down near a cluster of pleasure boats.

Prizio says the impact shattered the windshield and the rush of water knocked off his glasses. He broke a finger but was otherwise unhurt. His passenger escaped injury.

The two men spent only minutes in the water and were rescued by a family of boaters.